Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for automatically controlling audio output of a television system that includes a television device, the television device being connected to an input signal source and including a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit, the method being implemented using the processor of the television device and comprising the steps of: in response to receipt of a source signal from the input signal source, controlling the audio output unit to output an audio signal extracted from the source signal; activating the ambient sound monitoring unit so as to obtain ambient sound data; determining, based on at least the ambient sound data, whether the audio output needs to be adjusted; and when it is determined that the audio output needs to be adjusted, adjusting the audio signal based on at least the ambient sound data to generate an adjusted audio signal, and controlling the audio output unit to output the adjusted audio signal; wherein the television system further includes a depth camera mounted on the television device for capturing an image of a user; and wherein, determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted is further based on one of: a distance between the television device and the remote control; and an estimated distance between the television device and the user, the estimated distance being obtained based on the image of the user.
Television audio control. This invention addresses the problem of automatically adjusting television audio output to improve user experience based on environmental conditions and user presence. The system comprises a television device with a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit. An input signal source provides content to the television. The method involves receiving a source signal and outputting its associated audio. Simultaneously, an ambient sound monitoring unit is activated to collect data about the surrounding sound environment. The processor then analyzes this ambient sound data to determine if the audio output requires adjustment. If an adjustment is needed, the audio signal is modified based on the ambient sound data to create an adjusted audio signal, which is then outputted. The television system also includes a depth camera mounted on the television. This camera captures images of the user. The determination of whether audio adjustment is necessary is further informed by either the distance to a remote control or an estimated distance to the user, derived from the captured user image. This allows for dynamic audio adjustments based on both ambient noise and user proximity.
2. The method of claim 1 , the television system further including a remote control communicating with the television device, the ambient sound monitoring unit including a microphone mounted on the remote control, wherein, activating the ambient sound monitoring unit includes activating the microphone mounted on the remote control.
This invention relates to a television system with ambient sound monitoring capabilities. The system addresses the problem of users struggling to hear television audio clearly due to environmental noise, such as background conversations or household activities. The television device includes an ambient sound monitoring unit that detects and analyzes ambient noise levels in the viewing environment. Based on this analysis, the system adjusts the television's audio output to ensure optimal clarity and volume for the user. The ambient sound monitoring unit may be integrated into the television device itself or a separate component. The system also includes a remote control that communicates with the television device. The ambient sound monitoring unit includes a microphone mounted on the remote control, which is activated to detect ambient sound levels. This allows the system to dynamically adjust audio settings based on real-time environmental conditions, improving the user experience by maintaining clear audio output regardless of external noise. The invention enhances accessibility and convenience by automatically adapting to the user's surroundings.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the audio signal includes adjusting at least one of the following parameters: an overall volume of the audio signal; a volume of bass sound of the audio signal; a volume of treble sound of the audio signal; and at least one parameter used in a filter included in a sound equalizer implemented by the processor.
This invention relates to audio signal processing, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting audio signals to enhance listening experiences. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and precise control over audio characteristics to accommodate different environments, user preferences, or device capabilities. The method involves processing an audio signal using a processor to modify its acoustic properties. Key adjustments include changing the overall volume, bass volume, treble volume, or parameters of a sound equalizer filter. The equalizer filter may apply frequency-specific modifications, such as boosting or attenuating certain frequency bands. These adjustments can be applied in real-time or preconfigured based on predefined settings. The processor may also analyze the audio signal to determine optimal adjustments, ensuring balanced sound output. The method supports dynamic adaptation, allowing parameters to be updated continuously or in response to external factors like ambient noise levels or user input. The goal is to provide a customized audio experience while maintaining clarity and fidelity.
4. The method of claim 1 , the television system further including a program monitoring unit that is connected to the input signal source for receiving program metadata from the source signal, wherein: determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted includes extracting at least a genre of a program from the program metadata, and determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted further based on the genre of the program; and adjusting the audio signal is implemented further based on the genre of the program.
A television system dynamically adjusts audio output based on program metadata, particularly the genre of the content being displayed. The system includes a program monitoring unit that receives metadata from the input signal source, such as a broadcast or streaming service. This metadata includes information about the program, including its genre. The system analyzes the genre to determine whether the audio output requires adjustment. For example, action or thriller genres may require enhanced bass or surround sound effects, while news or documentary genres may prioritize clear dialogue. The system then modifies the audio signal according to the genre-specific requirements, ensuring optimal audio performance for different types of content. This approach enhances the viewing experience by tailoring audio settings to the characteristics of the program being watched, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. The system may also incorporate additional metadata, such as volume levels or audio profiles, to further refine the audio output.
5. The method of claim 1 , the television system further including a data storage storing a user profile, wherein: determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted includes accessing a sound preference of the user profile stored in the data storage, and determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted further based on the sound preference; and adjusting the audio signal is implemented further based on the sound preference.
The invention relates to a television system that dynamically adjusts audio output based on user preferences and environmental conditions. The system includes a microphone to capture ambient noise levels and a data storage that holds a user profile containing sound preferences. The system determines whether audio output needs adjustment by analyzing the ambient noise and the user's stored sound preferences. If adjustment is required, the system modifies the audio signal to enhance clarity or volume, taking into account both the ambient noise and the user's preferred sound settings. This ensures the audio output is optimized for the user's listening experience in varying environments. The system may also include a display for visual feedback and a remote control for user input, allowing manual adjustments if needed. The overall goal is to provide a personalized and adaptive audio experience that compensates for external noise while respecting the user's preferred sound settings.
6. The method of claim 1 , the television system further including an input signal monitoring unit for obtaining an energy level of the source signal, wherein, determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted is implemented further based on the energy level of the source signal and a current output setting of the audio signal, the current output setting including at least a current output volume.
This invention relates to a television system with adaptive audio output adjustment based on signal characteristics. The system monitors the energy level of the input source signal and the current audio output settings, including volume, to dynamically adjust audio output. The primary problem addressed is maintaining optimal audio quality and user experience by preventing distortion or excessive loudness when the input signal varies in energy or when the user's volume settings are incompatible with the signal characteristics. The system evaluates the energy level of the incoming signal and compares it to the current output volume setting to determine whether adjustments are needed. If the signal energy is too high relative to the set volume, the system may reduce output to prevent distortion. Conversely, if the signal energy is too low, the system may increase output to ensure clarity. This adaptive approach ensures consistent audio performance regardless of input signal variations or user volume preferences. The invention enhances user satisfaction by automatically optimizing audio output without manual intervention, particularly useful in environments with fluctuating signal conditions or diverse content types.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjusting the audio signal includes generating a noise cancellation signal based on the ambient sound data, and combining the noise cancellation signal and the audio signal for generating the adjusted audio signal.
This invention relates to audio signal processing, specifically to methods for adjusting an audio signal to improve sound quality in the presence of ambient noise. The problem addressed is the degradation of audio signals due to interference from surrounding environmental noise, which can reduce clarity and intelligibility. The method involves capturing ambient sound data from the environment using one or more microphones. This ambient sound data is analyzed to generate a noise cancellation signal designed to counteract the detected ambient noise. The noise cancellation signal is then combined with the original audio signal to produce an adjusted audio signal. The combination process may involve subtraction, filtering, or other signal processing techniques to minimize the impact of ambient noise on the audio output. The invention may also include additional steps such as filtering the ambient sound data to isolate specific noise frequencies or patterns, or dynamically adjusting the noise cancellation signal based on changes in the ambient environment. The goal is to enhance the audio signal's quality by reducing or eliminating unwanted background noise, making the output clearer and more intelligible for the listener. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as headphones, hearing aids, or communication devices where noise reduction is critical.
8. A method for automatically controlling audio output of a television system that includes a television device, the television device being connected to an input signal source and including a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit, the method being implemented using the processor of the television device and comprising the steps of: in response to receipt of a source signal from the input signal source, controlling the audio output unit to output an audio signal extracted from the source signal; activating the ambient sound monitoring unit so as to obtain ambient sound data; determining, based on at least the ambient sound data, whether the audio output needs to be adjusted; and when it is determined that the audio output needs to be adjusted, adjusting the audio signal based on at least the ambient sound data to generate an adjusted audio signal, and controlling the audio output unit to output the adjusted audio signal, wherein: determining whether the audio output needs to be adjusted includes extracting a dialog component from the audio signal, and determining whether a condition for dialog enhancement has been met; when it is determined that the condition for dialog enhancement has been met, the calculating the adjusted audio signal includes generating an enhanced dialog component based on the dialog component, and replacing the dialog component by the enhanced dialog component for generating the adjusted audio signal.
This invention relates to a method for automatically controlling audio output in a television system to improve dialog clarity in noisy environments. The system includes a television device connected to an input signal source, such as a set-top box or streaming service, and equipped with a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit. The method involves receiving a source signal from the input source and extracting an audio signal for output. The ambient sound monitoring unit continuously captures ambient noise data to assess whether audio adjustments are needed. If adjustments are required, the system analyzes the audio signal to isolate the dialog component and evaluates whether a condition for dialog enhancement is met, such as high ambient noise levels or low dialog intelligibility. When the condition is satisfied, the system generates an enhanced dialog component by amplifying or clarifying the original dialog and replaces the original dialog with this enhanced version in the audio signal. The adjusted audio signal is then output, ensuring clearer dialog in noisy environments. This approach dynamically adapts audio output based on real-time ambient conditions to improve listening experience without manual intervention.
9. A television system comprising: a television device that is connected to an input signal source and that includes a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit, wherein said processor is configured to: in response to receipt of a source signal from the input signal source, control said audio output unit to output an audio signal extracted from the source signal; activate said ambient sound monitoring unit so as to obtain ambient sound data; determine, based on at least the ambient sound data, whether the audio output needs to be adjusted; and when it is determined that the audio output needs to be adjusted, adjust the audio signal based on at least the ambient sound data, to generate an adjusted audio signal, and control said audio output unit to output the adjusted audio signal, a remote control communicating with said television device, and a depth camera mounted on said television device for capturing an image of a user, said ambient sound monitoring unit including a microphone mounted on said remote control, wherein: said processor is configured to activate said ambient sound monitoring unit by activating said microphone mounted on said remote control; and said processor is configured to determine whether the audio output needs to be adjusted further based on one of a distance between said television device and said remote control, and an estimated distance between said television device and the user, the estimated distance being obtained based on the image of the user.
A television system includes a television device connected to an input signal source, featuring a processor, an ambient sound monitoring unit, and an audio output unit. The processor extracts an audio signal from the source signal and outputs it via the audio output unit. The system also includes a remote control with a microphone for ambient sound monitoring and a depth camera on the television device to capture user images. The processor activates the microphone to obtain ambient sound data and determines if audio output adjustment is needed based on this data. If adjustment is required, the processor modifies the audio signal using the ambient sound data and outputs the adjusted signal. The decision to adjust audio output also considers either the distance between the television device and the remote control or an estimated distance between the television device and the user, derived from the depth camera's images. This system dynamically adjusts audio output in response to environmental conditions and user proximity to improve listening experience.
10. The television system of claim 9 , wherein said processor is configured to adjust of the audio signal by adjusting at least one of the following parameters: an overall volume of the audio signal; a volume of bass sound of the audio signal; a volume of treble sound of the audio signal; and at least one parameter used in a filter included in a sound equalizer implemented by said processor.
This invention relates to a television system with enhanced audio processing capabilities. The system addresses the problem of static or inflexible audio settings in traditional televisions, which often fail to adapt to varying content types or user preferences, resulting in suboptimal listening experiences. The system includes a processor that dynamically adjusts audio signals to improve sound quality. Specifically, the processor modifies the audio signal by adjusting one or more parameters, such as the overall volume, bass volume, treble volume, or parameters within a sound equalizer filter. The equalizer filter may apply frequency-based adjustments to enhance specific sound ranges. This adaptive audio processing allows users to customize their listening experience based on content type, room acoustics, or personal preferences, ensuring better audio clarity and balance. The system may also integrate with external audio devices or user input mechanisms to further refine audio adjustments. By providing granular control over audio parameters, the invention improves user satisfaction and audio performance compared to conventional television systems with fixed or limited audio settings.
11. The television system of claim 9 , further comprising a program monitoring unit that is connected to the input signal source for receiving program metadata from the source signal, wherein: said processor is configured to determine whether the audio output needs to be adjusted by extracting at least a genre of a program from the program metadata, and adjusting the audio signal further based on the genre of the program.
This invention relates to a television system that dynamically adjusts audio output based on program metadata, particularly the genre of the content being displayed. The system addresses the problem of static audio settings that do not adapt to different types of programming, leading to suboptimal listening experiences. The television system includes a processor that receives an input signal from a signal source, such as a broadcast or streaming service, and processes the signal to generate an audio output. The system further includes a program monitoring unit that extracts program metadata, including the genre of the program, from the source signal. The processor uses this metadata to determine whether the audio output needs adjustment. Based on the genre, the processor modifies the audio signal to enhance the listening experience. For example, action or sports programs may receive enhanced bass and dynamic range, while dialogue-heavy programs like dramas or news may prioritize clarity and mid-range frequencies. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the audio output is optimized for the specific content being viewed, improving user satisfaction. The system may also incorporate additional audio processing techniques, such as noise reduction or equalization, to further refine the sound based on the program type.
12. The television system of claim 9 , further comprising a data storage storing user profile, wherein: said processor is configured to determine whether the audio output needs to be adjusted by accessing a sound preference of the user profile stored in said data storage, and adjusting the audio signal further based on the sound preference.
A television system includes a processor that processes an audio signal from a video source and adjusts the audio signal based on a user's sound preference. The system also includes a data storage that stores a user profile containing the sound preference. The processor accesses the sound preference from the user profile and determines whether the audio output needs adjustment. If adjustment is required, the processor modifies the audio signal according to the stored preference. This allows the television to automatically tailor audio output to individual user preferences, enhancing the viewing experience. The system may also include a display for presenting video content and an audio output device for delivering the adjusted audio signal. The processor can further analyze the audio signal to identify specific audio characteristics, such as volume levels or frequency ranges, and adjust these characteristics based on the user's stored preferences. This ensures that the audio output is optimized for the user's listening habits and environmental conditions.
13. The television system of claim 9 , further comprising by an input signal monitoring unit for obtaining an energy level of the source signal, wherein: said processor is configured to determine whether the audio output needs to be adjusted further based on the energy level of the source signal and a current output setting of the audio signal, and the current output setting includes at least a current output volume.
This invention relates to a television system designed to optimize audio output based on the energy level of the source signal. The system includes an input signal monitoring unit that measures the energy level of the incoming audio signal. A processor evaluates whether further audio adjustments are necessary by comparing the energy level of the source signal with the current output settings, which include the current output volume. If the processor determines that the audio output needs adjustment, it modifies the audio signal accordingly to enhance listening quality. The system ensures that the audio output remains balanced and optimized for different types of content, preventing distortion or excessive volume fluctuations. The processor's decision-making process is based on real-time analysis of the source signal's energy level, allowing for dynamic adjustments that adapt to varying audio conditions. This feature improves user experience by maintaining consistent and high-quality audio output across different programs and content types. The invention addresses the problem of inconsistent audio levels in television systems, which can lead to discomfort or poor listening experiences. By dynamically adjusting the audio output based on the source signal's characteristics, the system provides a more refined and user-friendly audio experience.
Unknown
May 26, 2020
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